Download Sonance VC30RIM Stereo Amplifier User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VC30RIM IMPEDANCE-MULTIPLYING
V O L U M E
C O N T R O L
INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT: Do not reverse the “Input” and “Output” connectors or the
volume control will not operate properly.
The VC30RIM is an impedance-multiplying stereo volume control that
features 12 control positions, soft-touch action and silent switching
capability. The VC30RIM incorporates a rotary control and can be safely used
with amplifiers that deliver up to 30 watts RMS per channel.
5. Connect only 1 pair of speakers to each volume control. Connect multiple
volume controls to the amplifier’s speaker terminals in parallel
(see illustration, below).
When properly implemented, the Sonance VC30RIM allows the safe use of
multiple pairs of speakers with amplifiers not specifically-designed to run the
low-impedance loads presented by multiple speakers. Adjustable impedance
jumpers allow as many as 8 pairs of 8-ohm speakers (or 4 pairs of 4-ohm
speakers) to be driven by a single 8-ohm capable amplifier.
O U T P U T
L+ L– R– R+
R–
L–
L+
®
30W rms MAX Input/Ch
Two-8Ω Speakers
SPEAKERS
O U T P U T
R+ R– L– L+
Right
Speaker
Left
Speaker
Right
Speaker
IMPORTANT: Do NOT install the volume control in the same electrical box as
AC house wiring, a light switch or any other high-voltage device or control. The
volume control can share gang boxes with other low-voltage controls such as
A/B speaker switches, infrared receivers, and line-level audio or video devices if
these other devices are rated as Class 2 devices according to the National
Electrical Code.
Use the included hardware to mount the volume control in a single or double
J-box as shown below. (Do not over-tighten the screws.) Attach your choice of
the included Decora® or standard hardware.
Note: If you are installing the volume control into a typical plastic J-box you will
have to remove the J-box’s back panel to accommodate the control.
Volume
Control
Backless
J-Box
3. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, tighten the screws to
secure the wires in the connector.
4. Press the 4-pin screw connectors
into the corresponding speaker
terminals on the volume control
until they lock into place.
4
VC30RIM
VC30RIM
AMPLIFIER
INPUT
VC30RIM
MOUNTING
The VC30RIM has removable 4-pin screw connectors that simplify
connecting the speakers and amplifier.
1. Bring the wires from the speakers and amp through a backless J-box.
2. Insert the speaker wires as shown into the holes in the 4-pin screw connectors. Make sure to insert the ‘+’ and ‘–’ leads into the correct holes
(see illustration, below).
R+
AMPLIFIER
L+
Left
Speaker
WARNING: Turn the amplifier’s power OFF until you have completed all of the
connections and have determined that they are correct. (If the amp’s AC plug is
accessible we recommend that you unplug it from the wall outlet to avoid accidental turn-on and possible damage to the amplifier or speakers.)
Note: The connectors can accommodate wire as large as 14 gauge.
®
30W rms MAX Input/Ch
Two-8Ω Speakers
SPEAKERS
CONNECTIONS
TO SPEAKERS
VC30RIM
O U T P U T
R+ R– L– L+
If the system will include a pair of speakers intended for dedicated
higher-volume music listening, we strongly recommend that those
speakers be powered directly by a dedicated amplifier through a VC30R
or VC60R standard volume control.
FROM AMPLIFIER
L–
Important Note: This volume control is intended for use primarily in
background music systems. The impedance jumpers increase the
impedance seen by the amplifier, which reduces the amount of power
reaching each pair of speakers, reducing the speaker’s overall output
capability. The more speakers being driven by a single amplifier
through VC30RIM controls, the higher the impedance jumpers must
be set and the lower the amount of power that will reach each speaker.
Operating multiple sets of speakers through VC30RIM controls with
jumpers set lower than recommended in order to increase the system’s
output capability can severely damage the amplifier.
Important: Make sure there are no
stray wires that can touch each
other. Touching wires can cause a
short-circuit that can damage the
amplifier.
R–
The VC30RIM is designed to have a single pair of speakers connected to a
single volume control. Its impedance-multiplying feature allows multiple
volume control/speaker sets to be safely used with a single amplifier. The
included adjustable impedance jumpers can be set to accommodate different
total numbers of speaker/volume control sets.
INPUT
11/05
APPLICATIONS
R+
33-1541
R+
L+
©2005 Dana Innovations. All rights reserved.
Sonance is a trademark of Dana Innovations.
Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
–
L–
www.sonance.com
L–
R–
INS TRUCTION
M A N U A L
Sonance • 212 Avenida Fabricante • San Clemente, CA 92672-7531, USA
(800) 582-7777 or (949) 492-7777 • FAX: (949) 361-5151
Technical Support: (800) 582-0772
+
INPUT
IMPEDANCE
MULTIPLYING
VOLUME CONTROL
SPEAKER OUTPUT
R+
VC30RIM
Amplifier/Receiver
1
Decora
Hardware
Standard
Hardware
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VC30RIM IMPEDANCE-MULTIPLYING
V O L U M E
C O N T R O L
VC30RIM IMPEDANCE-MULTIPLYING
V O L U M E
C O N T R O L
SETTING THE IMPEDANCE JUMPERS 1:
SETTING THE IMPEDANCE JUMPERS 2:
OPERATION:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE
Typical Installations (Speakers with Identical Impedance)
Advanced Installations (Speakers with Differing Impedances;
Room Balancing)
Setting the Maximum System Volume
If you have any questions about the operation or installation of this
product, please call our Technical Assistance Department on any business day at (800) 582-0772 or (949) 492-7777; from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Pacific Time.
If your product should need repair or service, contact your Sonance
Authorized Dealer for help, or use the following procedure:
1. Prior to calling, note the product’s model number, serial number, purchase date, and the name and address of the dealer where you purchased the product.
2. Contact our Technical Assistance Department at the above number(s)
and describe the problem the unit is experiencing. If applicable, they
will issue a Return Authorization Number.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR AUTHORIZATION TO
RETURN YOUR PRODUCT TO SONANCE!
3. If you’re directed to return the unit to Sonance for repair, pack the unit
in its original shipping carton. If needed, you can obtain replacement
packaging from us for a small charge. Please include a copy of the
original bill of sale inside the package.
4. Contact United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or RPS to arrange prepaid (not collect) shipping. Do not use the U.S. Mail Service.
IMPORTANT: Freight collect shipments will be refused.
5.Write the Return Authorization Number on the outside of the shipping carton.
6. Ship the packaged unit to:
Quality Assurance Department
Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531
The VC30RIM’s impedance adjustments protect the power amplifier by
maintaining an overall impedance that’s high enough for the amplifier to operate safely into.
In addition to protecting amplifiers, the VC30RIM’s impedance adjustments
can also be used in installations to balance the audio levels in
different-sized rooms, or where speakers of differing impedances are used.
The impedance jumper position indicates how much the speaker’s original
impedance is increased by the volume control. (The X2 position increases the
speaker’s impedance 2 times, the X4 position increases a speaker’s impedance
4 times, etc.)
For example, a single 8-ohm speaker
connected to an amplifier through a
VC30RIM with the jumpers set in the X4
position would present a 32-ohm load to
the amplifier. If four pairs of 8-ohm
speakers were connected to an amplifier in
parallel through four VC30RIMs set to the
X4 position, the amplifier would
see a safe overall impedance of 8 ohms
(8 x 4 = 32; 32/4 = 8).
X4
X2
X1
X8
2. Set the impedance jumpers (right)
according to the tables below by slipping
the jumper blocks over the appropriate
pair of blades. (Be sure to set both jumpers.)
X1
X4
X2
8-OHM CAPABLE AMPLIFIER
4-OHM CAPABLE AMPLIFIER
Number of 8-Ohm Jumper Position
Speakers
Number of 8-Ohm Jumper Position
Speakers
X1
X2
X4
X8
Not Recommended
Number of 4-Ohm Jumper Position
Speakers
1 Pair
2 Pair
3 – 4 Pair
More than 4 Pair
X2
X4
X8
Not Recommended
Here’s how to balance-out room levels using the VC30RIM:
• Use the X1 setting for large rooms and outside areas where maximum
volume is needed.
• Use the X2 and X4 settings for medium-sized rooms.
• Use the X8 setting for bathrooms and hallways that need much less overall volume.
With this technique, even though the amplifier will be delivering the same
power to all zones, the speakers connected to the volume controls in the small
rooms (X8 setting) will only achieve a maximum volume that is 9dB lower
than the amplifier's full output. (That's equal to turning the volume control
down three steps from full.)
• The speakers in medium-sized rooms will achieve a maximum output that
is 3dB down (X2 setting) or 6dB down (X4 setting) from maximum.
• Speakers in large rooms and the outside zone (X1 setting) will still achieve a
maximum output level that is equal to the amplifier's full output.
This allows greater output in needy zones while still providing great low level
resolution in the smaller rooms.
X8
1. Count the total number of speaker pairs
the amplifier will be driving, and note
their nominal impedance according to
their manufacturer.
1 Pair
2 Pair
3 – 4 Pair
5 – 8 Pair
More than 8 Pair
As the impedance seen by the amplifier increases, the output from the amp
into that load decreases. In other words, the impedance jumpers’ X1 setting
will allow the speakers to be louder than if the X8 setting is used.
1 – 2 Pair
3 – 4 Pair
5 – 8 Pair
9 – 16 Pair
More than 16 Pair
Important: All amplifiers need to operate at or above a certain minimum
load to remain stable. (Sonamp® amplifiers can handle loads down to 2
ohms before going into protection.)
When balancing rooms or using speakers with differing impedances,
use the following equation to calculate the overall impedance as seen by the
amplifier:
1/ [ (1 / (SPa x VCa)) + (1 / (SPb x VCb)) + (1 / (SPc x VCc)) + ... (1 / (SPn x VCn)) ]
X1
X2
X4
X8
Not Recommended
This equation may look scary but it really is easy to use. The nominal speaker
impedance is represented by SP and the volume control impedance jumper
multiplying factor is shown as VC.
Number of 4-Ohm Jumper Position
Speakers
1 Pair
2 Pair
3 – 4 Pair
5 – 8 Pair
More than 8 Pair
X1
X2
X4
X8
Not Recommended
For example, assume that all speakers are 6 ohms nominal. Assume that VCa
(outdoors) is set at X1, VCb (kitchen) is set to X4 and VCc (bathroom) is set
to X8. The equation would be:
Important: After you have set the impedance jumpers as shown on the
previous page, you must set the maximum system volume before operating
the system.
1. If the system has speaker/volume control combinations in more than one
room, determine which room will be played the loudest.
2. Turn the amplifier’s volume control all the way down.
3. Feed the system a strong music signal.
4. Turn the volume control in the “loudest” room all the way up.
5. Gradually advance the amplifier’s volume control until the sound in the
room is as loud as you’re likely to ever want it.
• If you hear audible distortion, lower the amplifier’s volume until
the distortion disappears.
6. Bring the volume control in each room up to the loudest listening level for
that room.
• Leave the volume controls already tested at their loudest listening
level as you test new ones and listen for distortion. If you hear
distortion, lower the amplifier’s volume until the distortion
disappears.
Once the system has been set up in this way, use the volume control in each
room to adjust the volume to that room’s normal listening level. Do not change
the amplifier’s volume.
WARNING: Operating the system at a volume that
causes amplifier clipping will — besides producing
inferior sound quality — saturate the volume control
transformers and can damage the volume controls,
the amplifier and the speakers. If you hear audible
distortion, lower the amplifier’s volume until the
distortion disappears.
WARRANTY COVERAGE (U.S. ONLY)
If the unit fails due to a defect in workmanship or material for a period
of five (5) years, Sonance will, at its option and at no charge, repair or
replace the components of such unit which prove to be defective.
For this warranty to be effective, the bill of sale must show that the unit
was purchased from an "Authorized Sonance Dealer" and must list the
price paid. This warranty shall apply exclusively to the original purchaser
and shall not apply to units purchased for industrial or commercial use.
Furthermore, this warranty shall not apply if:
If the system produces inadequate volume with the
amplifier’s volume set to just below clipping, remove
some of the speaker/volume control combinations
from that amplifier and add an additional
amplifier(s) to the system to power them.
1) Damage to the unit was caused by accident, abuse, or misuse;
2) The unit was opened, modified, or repaired by unauthorized personnel; or
1/ [ (1 / (6 x 1)) + (1 / (6 x 4)) + (1 / (6 x 8)) ]
3) The unit was not used as outlined in the operating instructions.
= 1/ [ (1 / 6) + (1 / 24) + (1 / 48) ]
WARNING: Operating multiple sets of speakers
through VC30RIM volume controls with impedance
jumpers set to lower values than recommended in order
to increase the system’s volume capability can damage
the volume controls and amplifier. If the system produces inadequate volume with the jumpers
set properly, remove some of the speaker/volume
control combinations from that amplifier and add an
additional amplifier(s) to the system to power them.
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
= 1/ [ 0.166 + 0.042 + 0.021 ]
The warranty set forth above is in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied, of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise.
The warranty is limited to Sonance products registered herein and
specifically excludes any damage to loudspeakers and other allied or
associated equipment which may result for any reason from use with this
product. Sonance shall, in no event, be liable for incidental or
consequential damages arising from any breach of this warranty or
otherwise. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights which vary from state to state.
= 1/ 0.229
= 4.37 ohms
The total impedance of this example is above 4 ohms and can be safely driven
by any amp that is stable down to 4 ohms.
Note: If you were using a Sonamp 275 SE to drive the load in the above example,
the amplifier’s 2-ohm stability would allow you to add even more rooms.
(The number would depend on the speaker impedance and Volume Control
impedance jumper setting.)
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3